Biomedical Science

Our BSc Biomedical Science degree is designed in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB) – NHS Wales. Hence, the course will be delivered by university academics and hospital-based biomedical scientists.

You will:

• Study a course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and be able to register for student membership with IBMS upon registration of the course

• Have access to new, highly specialised facilities based both within the university and local research centres and clinical laboratories

• Have an authentic and contemporary education within real biomedical settings embedded throughout the course

• Utilise local research laboratories, housing state-of-the-art equipment, such as flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and molecular analysers

• Be taught by a highly experienced team of biomedical scientists, clinicians, clinical scientists, academics, and other health professionals with a range of subject and research expertise, many of whom are engaged in national networks, external peer review and consultancy within the general fields of biomedical sciences, medicine and healthcare

Course Modules

In year one, we will provide you with a solid foundation and introduction to the broad disciplines that underpin the subject of biomedical science, resulting in a strong understanding of the subject.

MODULES

• Professional Practice for the Biomedical and Life Sciences:

• Maths and Statistics for Science

• Health, Wellbeing and the Body

• Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics

• Essential skills for the Life Sciences

• Introduction to Immunology and Microbiology

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Year two of the course largely comprises specialist modules to give you the necessary knowledge in key areas of biomedical science. You will also be introduced to research methodology and will have the opportunity to design and carry out a mini project, preparing you for the final year project.

MODULES

• Advanced Laboratory Skills for the Biomedical and Life Sciences

• Cell and Molecular Biology

• Blood Sciences

• Cellular and Histopathology

• Applied and Medical Microbiology

• Research Methods

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of study focusses upon topics at the forefront of current research in biomedical science and will further develop your critical and analytical skills. A significant part of the final year is a 40-credit research project in which you will carry out an independent piece of research in an area of special interest to you.

MODULES

• Research Project

• Biology of Disease

• Clinical Genetics and Cancer Biology

• Infectious Disease, Immunity and Inflammation

• Advances in Medicine - Diagnostics and Therapeutics

There will be a variety of learning and teaching techniques which include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions and lab-based study, discussions, debates, group tutorials, case studies, problem-based learning, and visiting speakers.

The course is constructed on a modular basis such that you will study three modules within each semester. Each module equates to 200 hours of study of which there is 24 -36 hours of contact time, with the rest of the time being dedicated to directed study. Contact time decreases from 36 hours per module at level 4 to 24 hours at level 6, in line with the expectation that you will progress steadily towards becoming an independent learner as you progress through the course.

Assessment methods may include learning journals, group projects, portfolios, coursework, literature reviews, oral and poster presentations, case studies and laboratory reports, and exams/in-class tests. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A research project will form one of the final parts of your assessment. Most assignments will involve electronic submission.

Teaching & Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.